Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Be The Full Jigsaw! How to Solve the Leadership Jigsaw
BE THE FULL JIGSAW! How To Solve the Leadership Puzzle By Alan Cutler, Leadership Writer, Speaker and Mentor "There is no such thing as a perfect leader, either in the past or present, in China or elsewhere. If there is one, he is only...
Creative Emulation
In business we have a number of ways or tools that we use to stimulate improvement. Most of us could recite these in our sleep: •Brainstorming •Benchmarking •Problem solving When these things fail, or we realize that perhaps there are better...
Regret or Passion? Which Will Be Yours?
I once attended a retreat on how to live with passion and fulfill one’s life’s work. The facilitator posed the question, “If money was not an issue, yet you had to work full-time, what would you do?” Answering this question was a turning point for...
Three Simple Ideas That Increase Profit… FAST!
Are you spending more time trying to get new clients than actually working with them? If the answer is yes, then these three simple ideas will help you. First, have you ever asked for something and got something different to what you...
Two Leadership Strategies: Don’t Lose Your Mind & Be a Coach
Don’t Lose Your Mind Are you feeling overwhelmed, a lack of confidence or under a ton of pressure? Are you trying too hard to make something work and focusing too much on trying to fulfill other people’s needs and expectations? You may have...
 
Leadership Skills: Four Ways of Overcoming Perfectionism

The High Price of Perfectionism

We pay a high price for perfectionism. “What perfectionism?” we perfectionists mutter. “We’ve known for years perfectionism is not healthy so we have dealt with this issue and strive for personal excellence only!” Really?

When you slip-up - maybe handle a situation, task or project less than perfectly – what do you say to yourself? Are you able to commend yourself on what you did well and perhaps then, note a thing or two you could improve upon? Or do you focus on the mistake or less-than-perfect behavior neglecting your positive efforts?

Recently I completed facilitating six evening “Leadership” sessions. Being only my second time facilitating this particular series I closely observed my “perfectionistic” tendency. As I completed each session I could readily see areas I could have improved upon.

Commend Yourself! Gently Observe Improvements!

For me, it took a huge effort to commend myself on what I had done well and to be gentle with myself on the areas of improvement. In fact, I made a pointed effort of congratulating myself after each session and allowed myself the joy and relief of savoring a job well done when the series of six was completed. This is not a simple, natural process for us perfectionists.

To further this exercise in self-acknowledgement I did not read my participant’s evaluations at the program end as usual. This was perhaps a first in my fourteen years of facilitating. Too often, I have rushed to read the evaluations to determine my success.

Eventually I will receive a summary of the evaluations from the College I was contracted to but more importantly, I have deepened my self esteem and self worth through rewarding, congratulating and commending myself despite what others may think. To be a strong leader and healthy human being let us begin now acknowledging our achievements rather than devaluing our worth and work.

Herein, we begin to wean ourselves from being reliant on outside influences to determine our worth or how well we have done. We begin to befriend ourselves and give the internal “Judge” less power over us.

Not only are we robbed of the enjoyment of our


efforts by focusing on what went wrong and neglecting to commend ourselves but also, by rushing into worry over the next thing we have to do. When caught in this repetitive ritual of “not good enough… do better… do more…” I have found this simple phrase very freeing…

Not Perfect but Well Enough!

Feel the relief and comfort of this phrase, “not perfect but well enough!” Yes! Thank You God! “Thank You God” is another simple phrase that can help relieve us of the burden of perfectionism. Not only have I been working on giving myself credit but also on thanking God for His/Her part in my success. I know I must constantly turn to my God, my Source, my Higher Power – call it what you will – for guidance in all I do.

In the perfectionist’s mind it is all up to ME to do everything so very, very well but of course - never quite measuring up. The more I trust that God is working in me and through me the more I can lay down the heavy burden of perfectionism. It is not all up to ME. My job is to “do my best and give God the rest.”

Do My Best and Give God the Rest

Even in the midst of our fear, doubt and inadequacy we can comfort and encourage ourselves by knowing it is not all up to us. We can trust God is also at work and all is unfolding according to a Grand Design far greater than our understanding. As an Alcoholics Anonymous slogan so simply says “Let go and let God.”

We can become better leaders and human beings and release ourselves from the bondage of perfectionism by practicing these few ideas.
1. Commend yourself on a job well done.
2. Be gentle observing your areas of improvement.
3. Remember: “Not perfect but well enough!
4. Do your best and give God the rest.

What a relief to give up responsibility for doing everything AND doing it perfectly!


About the Author

Teresa Proudlove is the publisher/editor of www.yourlifework.com: support and inspiration for your work and life. Teresa has been inspiring, supporting, and mentoring over 3000 people upon their lifework path for fourteen years, leading workshops and authoring many internationally published articles.

 

Afterhours Inspirational Stories
Collection of inspirational and motivational stories, poems, parables, and jokes.
www.inspirationalstories.com
 
inspirational
mamarocks.com. Inspirational. Google · What Would You Do · An Angel For You · Angels · Amazing Grace · In The Valley · Deck Of Cards ...
www.mamarocks.com
 
INSPIRATIONAL FLASH MOVIES
LATEST MOVIES. Let there be Peace (30 Nov 06) Life on the Train (4 Nov 06) I'm Alive (20 Oct 06) Sea of Life (9 Oct 06) ...
www.inspiringthots.net
 
Inspirational - An Angelina Jolie Fan Site
http://www.makepovertyhistory.org. Would you like to receive free update notices in your e-mail? Then please join the mailing list below! Beowulf Filming ...
angelinaj.net
 
Quotable quotes, famous sayings, motivational stories ...
Welcome to the Motivational and Inspirational Corner, where the winning begins. Check out the Power Performance Program © - America's System for Success.
www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com
 
INSP - The Inspiration Network
Ministry Resources. Daily Devotional · Convoy of Hope · Inspirational Mall · Stewardship And Planned Giving. Additional Resources ...
www.insp.com
 
Motivational and Inspirational Quotes
A collection of inspirational quotes on topics including success, life, leadership, teachers and more.
www.inspirational-quotes.info
 
Inspiring Quotes to move and inspire you
Quotes to move you towards fulfillment - helping yourself and helping others.
www.heartsandminds.org
 
Inspirational Messages, Poems, Stories, Humor, Cartoons, Quotes
Christian poems and Inspirational poems, stories, messages, humor, cartoons, quotes. Over 3000 Inspirational and Christian pages, new daily content, ...
www.skywriting.net
 
The page of Inspirational Poems and Stories
Your web browser is NOT capable of playing Music. Subscribe to Mr. Mom's Mailing List for updates, Inspirational poems and stories Click Here ...
mrmom.amaonline.com
 
Star Trek Inspirational Posters
BASED ON THOSE DELIGHTFUL INSPIRATIONAL POSTERS WHICH HAVE BECOME A FIXTURE OF DENTIST'S OFFICES EVERYWHERE. Terms of use: You're welcome to save these ...
echosphere.net
 
GoodQuotes.com - Funny and Inspirational Quotes
GoodQuotes.com lists thousands of funny and inspirational quotes: bumper stickers, proverbs, funny thoughts, silly quotes, Murphy's laws, gravestones, ...
www.goodquotes.com
 
Motivational Posters at AllPosters.com
Motivational Posters at AllPosters.com. Choose from over 300000 posters and prints. Professional custom framing available.
www.allposters.com
 
Inspiration Peak: Inspirational Quotes, Poetry and Short Stories
A beautiful collection of inspirational quotes, poetry and short stories. Updated weekly with a new inspirational message.
www.inspirationpeak.com
 
DaySpring Christian E-Cards
Free Christian E-Cards | Christian Gifts & Products | Inspirational Movies | Find a Store | Contact Us | Job Openings | FAQ | Site Map | ...
www.dayspring.com
 
Inspirational Fiction
Please note: The books listed here cover a wide variety of genres and types, from traditional inspirational fiction authors such as June Masters Bacher and ...
www.ci.irving.tx.us
 
Inspirational Christian Poems and Stories
Inspirational poems and stories with photos and art which seeks to help Christians in their walk of faith.
www.promiseofgod.com
 
 

 
Content Menu
  • 10 home based business niches you can use now

  • 10 steps to take you from perspiration to inspiration

  • 10 tips for motivating your employees

  • 10 tips for writing web copy

  • 10 tips on how to increase your website traffic

  • 12 tips for getting the most value from the cashflow 101 game

  • 15 ways for speakers to earn more profits

  • 15 ways salespeople can get motivated

  • 5 tips for better management of home business

  • 7 advanced affiliate marketing strategies

  • 7 stepping stones to career growth and excellence

  • 8 key factors that are essential for a solid internet business

  • abcs for beginning internet business builders

  • affiliates avoid these two big mistakes

  • amazing new design tools online

  • an interview with ross rayburn for bfuniv org

  • an introduction to motivational speaking

  • applying the daffodil theory into business practice

  • apply these principles for internet success

  • apply your knowledge in new ways

  • are your guilty of driving your business without a roadmap

  • are you addicted to selling

  • are you a pr chowderhead

  • are you ready to be your own boss

  • are you tired yet

  • are you valued as a leader

  • avoid being the worst boss youve ever had

  • avoid the duds 10 strategies for selecting the perfect speaker

  • a bag of ice is a bar of gold assessing true value in an online business

  • a business guide for the very new internet entrepreneur

  • a colorful and exciting source of wholesale goodies

  • a fast way to find clients

  • a home based business modeled after google

  • a lesson of life from a friend

  • a new job opportunity

  • back to school tips 21 universal success secrets

  • before you think that next thought

  • being a born leader means nothing unless you are a growing leader

  • being a pro in the service business uniforms image perceptions

  • beware the opposition

  • be the full jigsaw how to solve the leadership jigsaw

  • bidding for buyers lessons from the auction block

  • book review of the one minute millionaire

  • building a business that works for you

  • business 101 passion before planning

  • buying database

  • calling a time out on sports and war metaphors

  • cant afford to retire until 7 years after youre dead think again

  • cant write a speech or presentation get someone else to do it for you

  • capturing the craft show market

  • career resolutions make them stick in 2006

  • carol brady shops at my store

  • cheryl rickman interview

  • choosing your flowers

  • church sign and church signs

  • coaching and mentoring using one

  • compete vs create which one describes your business approach

  • consequences blessing or curse

  • consulting versus selling

  • create a business you love

  • create a positive upbeat can do workforce and dazzle the customer with your caring

  • create database and sell to earn money on the net

  • creating a space of your own

  • creating momentum for your new business idea

  • creative emulation

  • creative visualization how to supercharge your goal setting

  • creativity and innovation management thought leadership

  • decluttering for success

  • delegate dont abdicate

  • developing the experience required to run a successful woman owned business

  • dialogue the key to innovation

  • discover the secrets of color therapy

  • discover the secret to earning royalty income just like famous rock stars

  • diversity no longer just black and white

  • dont mock me

  • do what you love time is too short to do anything else

  • do you have a vision for your online business

  • do you need a change of mind

  • do you really need a website to succeed

  • dream the impossible dream turn your ideas into reality

  • d i s c i p l i n e

  • earn 72 monthly income on e gold deposits stable income

  • education is a business philosophy

  • eight great ways to fill a workshop in a bum economy

  • english language sputtering online like an old ford

  • ethical competition with grace and good sense

  • expect success to stay self motivated and get great results

  • famous business strategies

  • faqs of the client virtual assistant relationship and va services

  • few facts on samuel blankson books

  • financial insecurity

  • financing your business

  • finding profitable products for your online business

  • fire your boss its the only responsible thing to do

  • first aid for writers block

  • fitness workout for your financial muscles

  • five principals for prosperity

  • five ways to be more generous through your business

  • following the inspired idiots path to marketing glory

  • forcing inspiration

  • getting past the idea of budgeting saving money

  • getting the best from your employees the one minute manager by ken blanchard

  • getting the big picture series part 1 love what you do

  • get behind the wheel drive yourself

  • get the edge product review

  • going the extra mile and getting referrals

  • greasing the path to success finding the confidence to step up to key moments

  • grow your business and grow yourself

  • guru interview of the month cathy wagner

  • harness the power of a strong vision

  • have fun with web site promotion

  • having fun in leadership

  • he top 10 strategies for the positioning of success

  • holidays are for humping get an inspiration

  • home based business goals and how to keep them

  • hope for the struggling internet marketer

  • how a tree can help you grow your business

  • how beneficial is a sample cover letter

  • how bold can you go with your elevator speech

  • how energy efficient are you

  • how i found the perfect business for me

  • how i write articles for profit

  • how our home based business saved us

  • how positive motivation can affect your online business

  • how to beat the mid winter blues when youre self employed

  • how to build a successful graphic design buisness

  • how to control your people

  • how to gain maximum value from your networking time

  • how to offer individual praise without undermining team efforts

  • how to overcome a confidence crisis

  • how to price your property

  • how to provide exceptional value

  • how to start and run a landscape garden maintenance business

  • how to start an online auction business

  • how to start an online business with a 0 budget

  • how to start your business with one good idea

  • how to stay motivated part 1

  • how to survive your first year in business

  • how to turn idea squashers into possibilities

  • how to unlock the million dollar idea trapped in your mind

  • humor in business

  • humor minus credibility equals doofus 12 back to basics leadership principles anyone can follow

  • if you know these 5 wealth secrets then you are probably already a millionaire

  • improving corporate culture

  • increase productivity five powerful actions

  • index

  • industry pro interview what is uncle sam really entitled to

  • innovation management being receptive to inspiration

  • innovation management forcing inspiration

  • inspired action an amazing new short cut to make all your dreams come true

  • internet is my true agent

  • investing psychology

  • invisible secret weapon of successful home based business entrepreneurs

  • in leadership dreams are the stuff that great results are made of

  • irrigation sprinkler repair service create a profitable new service

  • is accumulating a net worth of 1 000 000 easy yes and no

  • is it worth to outsource how one can outsource wisely

  • is perfectionism slowing you down

  • is your job a pain and a drag

  • it pays to be an ace

  • i survived the landscape industry trade show

  • i wanted to be rich

  • i want to do an ezine part 3

  • journey of excitement

  • journey of inspiration

  • journey of trust

  • just think

  • know this before you start your home business

  • know your audience before you write your book or web site part 1

  • landscape techniques lawn aeration

  • lasers and high performance cutting

  • leadership or management

  • leadership skills four ways of overcoming perfectionism

  • learn from role models

  • lessons from inspirational businesses in rural australia

  • lessons in global leadership from the soccer field

  • life insurance without life value why young people are snubbing financial advice

  • maintaining your motivation

  • make big money in real estate

  • making a hard boiled egg a challenge

  • making money from home

  • making money in your underwear the jeff paul marketing system

  • making your purpose your business step 1

  • making your purpose your business step 2

  • making your purpose your business step 3

  • making your purpose your business step 4

  • makin the sauce

  • managing with vision

  • managing your time in a home business

  • marketing tips for internet beginners

  • marketing your articles

  • masterminding your way to greater success

  • meditation why just sitting there isnt just sitting there

  • mm4m manifesting millionaires

  • naming names how to name your business

  • naming names how to name your business product or service

  • naming your local business

  • networking events success for your business top ten reasons to attend

  • new habits growing economy help to sell giftware and collectibles

  • one thing you cant hide

  • online benefits for craft businesses

  • on the path life coaching for small business owners

  • part 2 charging higher prices for services and products perpsectives on the bottom line

  • past to present work ethics

  • people skills drive leadership success

  • personal discipline and the home based business owner

  • posters and art prints galore

  • poverty to riches myth or reality

  • practical prosperity

  • prepare your business for opening day

  • profit from wooden novelties

  • profit or a great payday and 5 ps

  • providing a rewarding experience for your customers

  • qualities of a winner

  • regret or passion which will be yours

  • reinventing failure designing success

  • revenge of the sith creativity and structure

  • richard parkes cordock interview

  • rotator

  • secret guide to help you succeed in your home based business

  • see the possibilities

  • self confidence is the key to personal and professional success

  • self promotion is easy and fun

  • selling on ebay

  • selling the job learn the basics landscape garden business

  • selling your database

  • seminars why are they popular and what advantages disadvantages are there to attending one

  • service packages that make sense

  • simple reasons rent to own situations may be for you

  • sixty seconds to a more creative you

  • six steps to guarantee your business success

  • small business owners increase productivity and profitability utilizing free leadership tools and resources available online

  • spare cycles between office wars 10 ways to be productive

  • starting a home business

  • starting out for success

  • storytelling for high concept and high touch

  • success

  • success comes when you turn indecision and fear into power and action

  • success define your own

  • success in any business is only for those that want it bad enough

  • tell your boss goodbye top ten tips for turning your passion into profit

  • ten laws to befriend the spirit of money

  • ten top tips about committing to your niche

  • ten traits of successful entrepreneurs

  • ten ways to maximize space when creating a home office

  • they found a fortune on the internet

  • the business of speaking everyone has something to share

  • the color of success

  • the common denominators of success

  • the expert advantage why it pays to establish yourself as an expert

  • the first 60 minutes of your day

  • the four cultures of employee retention

  • the four laws of leadership part two

  • the in between

  • the magic feather

  • the matrix is real 5 ways to pull yourself free and live more prosperously

  • the one sure formula that will assure your success online

  • the primary purpose of business

  • the qualities of leadership

  • the real truth about making money on the internet

  • the ten pillars of leadership and business development

  • the ten steps to financial success

  • the top 10 creative excursions for building effective teams

  • the top 10 strategies for the positioning of success

  • the unsung heroes of internet marketing

  • the value of an hour

  • the value of values

  • the wisdom of the river lessons learned

  • the work from home fashion primer

  • this is a home business not a vacation

  • three simple ideas that increase profit fast

  • tips for first time home buyers

  • tips for using and personalizing templates

  • top 10 es to motivate and influence an audience

  • top 10 ways managing your money is just like riding a bike

  • top ten strategies for increasing productivity

  • top ten tips for living authentically

  • top tips for generating killer work at home articles

  • trend setting how office art improves productivity

  • turn your hobby into a business

  • turn your wisdom into a workshop

  • two leadership strategies dont lose your mind be a coach

  • using email signatures people will remember

  • what an exciting journey

  • what does it take to be an entrepreneur

  • what dreams are really made for

  • what inspires you

  • what is an artists statement and how often should it be updated

  • what is an artists statement how often should it be updated

  • what shes got five essential traits of web wonder women

  • why great companies survey martian logic

  • why late night brainstorming could be e s p

  • why reinvent the wheel

  • why when you set goals do you fail to reach them

  • why you should read personal finance blogs

  • working from home examining your why

  • work at home and the olympic spirit

  • work from home 8 days to get out of jail for under 100

  • work from home office policies

  • work stinks smelliest shirt contest

  • wrapping up your year in present time

  • writing article can improve your online marketing and sales

  • writing your own entrepreneur success story

  • yes there are opportunities for christian work from home businesses

  • your 2006 growth strategy

  • you cant direct the wind but you can adjust the sails